Addie stroked her brow. “I do believe she’s resting. The whiskey has worked to ease her fever. Praise God. And thank you for that suggestion.”
“You’re welcome. Only the credit belongs to Tiny.”
“Tiny?” What or who could he mean?
“An old cowboy who told me about using alcohol to ease a fever. Applied externally, not internally.” Nash’s wide eyes might be an attempt to convince her he was serious as a Sunday sermon, but at the twitch of his lips, she chuckled.
“Of course. Tiny is an unusual name.” Maybe that would prompt him to talk more about his life, about the cowboys he encountered, and—well, everything.
“Yeah. Tiny was—” He paused as if to consider her words. “Not tiny.” Again, that wide-eyed innocence and the twitching of mouth.
“Do tell.”
“A mountain of a man. And strong. I saw him lift a wagon right off the ground so the wheel could be replaced.”
She shivered. “I might have found him frightening.” A man of that size and strength could crush a smaller person.
“You wouldn’t need to. He was as gentle as a lamb.” He nodded, his smile genuine. “A good person.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” She shifted to better study the man beside her. “I always considered cowboys rough and tough. Yet, you talk about Tiny and Mr. Jarvis as if they are?—”
“Many of the cowboys I’ve known were indeed rough and tough. Their life demands they be so. It’s true some are also cruel and unprincipled. But many are kind and tender. I’ve been fortunate to know more than my share of the latter.” The lamplight flickered in his eyes as he stared at her. Only he seemed to be seeing something in the distance. Or in his past. Then he blinked, and his gaze focused on her. “Gib didn’t allow cruel men to workfor him. And he expected an honest day’s labor for an honest day’s pay.”
“Seems like you’ve made that philosophy the motto of your life.”
“What?” He blinked. “Oh, you mean about honest gain?” He didn’t wait for her answering nod before he hurried on. “I guess I have.”
Was there a story behind the decision? Or—“Did this Gib man teach you that?”
Another surprised blink. “I decided it on my own, though Gib’s behavior reinforced it as the best way to be.”
Addie checked Mother’s forehead. Warm but not hot. She settled back beside Nash. “I do believe she’s on the mend. Praise God. But I’ll watch for a little longer to be certain.”
“I’ll keep you company. If you don’t object.”
“I don’t.” She welcomed it. There wasn’t room to stretch out their legs. Nash drew his knees up, and she turned her legs to one side. “Do you have a house on your ranch?”
Or did he sleep in a tent? Perhaps a crude structure.
“I have a two-room log cabin. Its loft can be used for both sleeping and storage. The bedroom holds a wide bed that’s covered with a quilt Ma made me. I have two armchairs in the living area. I made my own table out of a slab of wood. It isn’t a perfect circle. I preferred to keep the shape of the tree. I think you’d find the place warm and cozy.”
“I’d like to see it.”
“Perhaps we can arrange a visit after you’re settled in Golden Valley.”
“Forgive me. I didn’t mean to invite myself.”
“But would you truly like to see my ranch?” Hesitation slowed his words. Perhaps he didn’t consider itappropriate for a preacher’s adopted daughter to visit. She knew little about him but enough to believe him an honorable, upright man.
“I truly would. And I’m sure Preacher Stone would approve.” The preacher would have heard any unsavory information regarding Nash. And he’d arrange a suitable escort.
“Then I’ll make arrangements.” He chuckled, the sound low and deep. “I look forward to it.”
“As do I.” She seldom welcomed interest from a man. Nor did any man give her more than a dismissive glance. After all, she was a plain-looking, plain-dressing spinster. Not that he’d offered to court her. Simply to show her the ranch he was so proud of. Nor did she expect anything more.
“Tell me more about what you and the Stones do.”
Comfortable with that topic, she talked about the churches the preacher had started and the other work they’d done. “An epidemic raged last fall.” She shuddered. “So many died despite us doing everything possible to help the poor victims.”
